John Cooney Returns for Ulster’s First Game in Round 2 of the URC.

1. Andrew Warwick

2. Rob Herring

3. Marty Moore

4. Alan O’Connor (C)

5. Sam Carter

6. Greg Jones

7. Nick Timoney

8. David McCann

9. John Cooney

10. Billy Burns

11. Ethan McIlroy

12. Stuart McCloskey

13. James Hume

14. Craig Gilroy

15. Mike Lowry

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Ulster have announced their side to face Leinster tomorrow at the RDS and I have to say it’s looking strong. First-choice front-rowers in Warwick, Herring, and Moore bode well for a dominant Ulster scrum. The two leaders in the absence of Iain Henderson take the second row; Sam Carter and Captain Alan O’Connor. Sam Carter is fantastic and no doubt a talented leader, but I do think our enforcer is deserving of the armband.

In the back row Jones, the international Timoney, and young McCann link up. Timoney straight off the back of a surprise Ireland cap should be in good form and good spirits to spur on the back row.

The Ulster faithful halfback pairing returns with Doak moved to the bench as John Cooney is fit again. The Cooney/Burns experienced halfback pairing will be crucial to breaking down the ever-strong Leinster defence.

At centre, Ulster mainstays James Hume and Stuart McCloskey take their places, no doubt looking to get Hume’s quick feet moving and McCloskey’s agile power into some weak shoulders.

In the backline, young Ethan McIlroy is set to claim his 21st cap on the wing with his experienced partner on the other side of the pitch, Craig Gilroy, earning his 199th cap. No doubt Gilroy is only a week or two away from becoming a double centurion.

At fullback, Mike Lowry is called on once again to pull on the 15 shirt and do the job he knows well. After making it clear we wanted to move to number 10, I’m sure it was a blow for Addison to get injured and necessitate him pulling on the 15 shirt as McIlroy (who has played 15 in the past) is needed for his skill on the wing.

Iain Henderson and Stockdale, two key figures, miss out due to injury. Baloucoune and O’Toole both omitted from the team sheet, from what I can tell this is due to player management due to the amount of time played during the Autumn Internationals (This is not confirmed).